So I’ve been trying to find inspiration lately… just because I am now in the maintaining phase of my weight loss journey doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. In fact, I think since reaching my goal 4 weeks ago I have had more ups and downs than I had the previous 2 or 3 months… ok – with the exception of my birthday week (or weeks depending on whom you ask). I’ve been keeping pretty close to my goal – ranging a pound or so above and below depending on the week.
I only have 2 weeks left of “maintenance” with Weight Watchers before I get to their “Lifetime” status… allowing me then to only weigh in one time per month. I can’t even begin to tell you all how excited I am to do this. Although I only weigh in only one time per month, I do still plan on attending weekly meetings as often as I can. Why??? Because I have an awesome leader (and friend!) and because I want to continue to support those who have supported me in my journey.
So… because I’ve been trying to find inspiration, especially through this holiday season, I went looking in my archives of articles that have been e-mailed and sent to me over the course of the last few months and years. The one below caught my attention today and I wanted to share it with all of you. I hope it gives you inspiration to take advantage of everything life brings to you and not let time pass you by in what you desire to do… whether it is losing weight or simply accomplishing another goal.
You can do anything that you put your mind to! I believe it!
me.
I HAVE A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB
Written by Gary Barnes, 1999
I tried to climb the mountain today. As I inched my way up the path, I felt overwhelmed, so I had to turn back.
I tried to climb the mountain today. On my journey, darkness started to fall, and I was full of fear, so I had to return to a safe place.
I was ready to climb the mountain today. But it was so hot outside, I thought I better stay in my nice air-conditioned house and rest up for tomorrow’s attempt.
I was about to climb the mountain today. But I had so many other things to do, so instead of climbing the mountain I took care of much more important tasks. I washed my car, mowed the grass and watched the big game. Today the mountain will just have to wait.
I was going to climb the mountain today. But as I stared at the mountain in its majestic beauty, I knew I stood no chance of making it to the top, so I figured why even bother trying.
I had forgotten about climbing the mountain today; until a friend came by and asked me what I was up to lately. I told him I was thinking about climbing that mountain some day. I went on and on about how I was going to accomplish this task.
Finally, he said, “I just got back from climbing the mountain.” He said “For the longest time I told myself I was trying to climb the mountain but never made any progress. I almost let the dream of making it to the top die. I came up with every excuse of why I could not make it up the mountain, but never once did I give myself a reason why I could. One day as I stared at the mountain and pondered, I realized that if I didn’t make an attempt at this dream all my dreams will eventually die. The next morning, I started my climb.”
He continued, “It was not easy, and at times I wanted to quit. But no matter what I faced, I placed one foot in front of the other, keeping a steady pace. When the wind tried to blow me over the edge, I kept walking. When the voices inside my head screamed ‘Stop!’ I focused on my goal never letting it out of sight, and I kept moving forward.
At times, I was ready to quit, but I knew I had come too far. Time and time again, I reassured myself that I was going to finish this journey. I struggled to make it to the top, but I climbed the mountain!”
“I have to be going,” my friend said. “Tomorrow is a new day to accomplish more dreams. By the way, what are you going to do tomorrow?”
I looked at him, with intensity and confidence in my eyes, and said, “I have a mountain to climb.”
